Predictors of antiretroviral adherence

Abstract

This study was conducted in order to help determine the key factors that predict adherence to antiretroviral medications. A total of 115 HIV/AIDS patients who were having trouble adhering to their antiretroviral regimens completed face-to-face interviews in which adherence levels, medication side effects, mental health, social support, patient–provider relationship characteristics, substance use and health anxiety were assessed. Three measures of adherence were used: adherence over the past three days, adherence over the past week, and adherence over the past month. Logistic regression analyses indicated strongest prediction of three-day adherence, with mental health, social support, patient–provider relationship characteristics and side effects contributing to prediction. Past week adherence was associated with age and social support measures, and showed a marginal association with side effects. Past month adherence was less strongly predicted, with social support and alcohol use contributing to prediction. Thus, a variety of factors were found to determine adherence, and implications of the findings for adherence models and interventions are discussed.

Acknowledgments

This study was supported by Grant #MH 59419 from the National Institute of Mental Health. We would like to thank the participants in the research project. We would also like to thank the interviewers, Anita Guerrero and Claudia Perdomo, the data manager, Michael Lu, and the research assistant, Tim Castro, for their work on this project.